Hustler Casino Live is known for bold claims, but calling tonight’s High Stakes Friday lineup “insane” might actually be underselling it. When the cards go in the air at 5:30 p.m. PT, viewers are in for a rare collision of elite poker talent and headline-making content creators.
HCL boss Ryan Feldman described the game as “a cool mix of poker players and creators,” though that modest preview barely hints at how unconventional—and potentially volatile—the lineup really is.
Chess Queens Enter the Poker Arena
Leading the creator charge are the Botez sisters, Alexandra and Andrea, best known for their dominance in the chess world. Alexandra brings serious poker credentials with her. Formerly a GGPoker ambassador until May 2025, she now represents ClubWPT Gold and is no stranger to the bright lights of Hustler Casino Live.
Back in 2022, Alexandra famously booked a massive $456,000 win on HCL in a star-studded game that included MrBeast, Tom Dwan, and Phil Hellmuth—proof she can more than hold her own in high-stakes environments.
Andrea Botez, on the other hand, is stepping into far less familiar territory. With limited poker experience and making her HCL debut, she’ll be diving straight into the deep end against seasoned pros like Nik Airball and Mariano. It’s a bold move, and one that could make for compelling television regardless of the outcome.
Enter the Wild Card: TOGI
Perhaps the most unpredictable name on the lineup is Shane Stoffer, better known online as TOGI. A high-energy fitness influencer turned gambling content creator, TOGI has carved out a massive following in a remarkably short time. Since launching his YouTube channel in 2023, he’s amassed more than 800,000 subscribers, driven by long-form, high-risk gambling content that racks up eye-watering view counts.
His videos—such as the hour-long “Betting my net worth on black,” which has drawn nearly 1.3 million views—offer a glimpse into the extreme, no-holds-barred style he’s become known for. That same mentality could translate into some fearless, and possibly reckless, poker decisions at the table.
TOGI’s rise hasn’t been without controversy, from criticism over promoting steroid use to widely reported personal struggles. Still, his inclusion adds an undeniable wildcard element to the game—one that poker purists and chaos-lovers alike will be watching closely.
Pros Smell Opportunity
With creators stepping into the spotlight, you can bet the poker pros won’t be complaining. Players like Nik Airball and Mariano are likely eager to capitalize on unfamiliar opponents, especially in a format where swings can be massive and mistakes costly.
Whether the night turns into a masterclass from the pros, a surprise breakout from the creators, or complete mayhem somewhere in between, one thing feels certain: it won’t be dull.
High Stakes Friday streams live on YouTube at 5:30 p.m. PT—and this one has all the ingredients to be must-watch poker.
